Top 10 Songs of 2012

I can't believe it's this time of the year again. 2012 was (is) a great year of music. Many new discoveries, many comebacks and gems from both indie and mainstream acts. It wasn't easy to narrow the best songs into the top 10 and I'm sure you will disagree with some of the choices. Acts such as Crystal Castles, Amanda Palmer, Baroness and Sleigh Bells were close in being on the list. But taste in music is something that is hard to argue on and I hope to see what your favorite songs of this year were! Let me know in the comments below or on the Facebook page. Enjoy.

10. No Doubt - Settle Down

The most anticipated comeback and they do it with style.

9. Paul Banks - The Base

I seem to never get enough of Banks' voice and The Base is truly one of his best songs.




8. Bloc Party - Kettling

How great is it to have this quartet back? Kettling is my favorite tune of their latest album and the energy level in it is amazing.




7. Willis Earl Beal - Evening's Kiss

Evening's Kiss is something that every Elliott Smith fan is able to feel in their bones.




6. Friends - Mind Control

Today's liberals' anthem.




5. Ellie Goulding - Anything Could Happen

It was either this or Goulding's second single Figure 8. Both are catchy, this is just catchier.




4. Haim- Better Off

Quite a sensation these sisters from LA. I'm betting that their debut will be one of my favorite albums of 2013, maybe even the best.




3. Purity Ring - Fineshrine

I dream to see a Justin Timberlake- liked black and white hip hop choreography video for this song.




2. fun. - We Are Young

Trying to figure out what to say about this song. It's fun to sing along to?




1. Grimes - Oblivion

My favorite song of 2012 was decided an hour ago, when I was compiling this list. I could have chosen any other song from the Visions' album or actually a song from any other artist, who makes more sense. But making sense doesn't matter, when you have a well-crafted electro pop tune. See, even that previous sentence doesn't make sense.




Don't forget to let me know your favorite songs of 2012! Tomorrow the best videos are up!

Friends - Manifest!

The alternative to the alternative Brooklyn- band Friends released their appropriately named debut album Manifest! last June. After a long period of catching shows across Europe and America, fans finally get the chance to be able to sing along to songs other than the already timeless hits “I’m His Girl” and  “Friend Crush”. On top of that, if you order directly through Rough Trade you can hear the brilliant cover of Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo”, found on the exclusive bonus disc.

Some think that debut albums are definitive due to artists having control of production, rather than record labels breathing down their necks... Friends’ multi-instrumentalist Nikki Shapiro weighs in, saying that “debut albums usually are the best, because it’s like the honey moon period of a band. Everything is fresh and exciting”.

As it is exciting for bands to experience something new, so it is for fans to wait and hear how everything turns out on home stereos. My belief is that the best albums aren’t the best because they’re comprised of the most amazing tracks, but because the tracks work together, creating a whole. I had high expectations of Manifest!, but somehow the first few spins didn’t knock me out. Embarrassingly, I felt disappointed for feeling disappointment.

When asked about his general thoughts of the overall recording process, Shapiro thinks Manifest! would have been “way better” if it was recorded in the first couple of months, but they were too busy touring. He further explains “it was definitely over-thought but I think it came out ok.  Recording should document a special moment in time. The best recording captures a genuine mood or vibe. It's not easy to do. Over-thinking things take you out of the moment. Dancing is a perfect example of that.”

Is it also over-thought or even over- expected in the minds of the fans? Maybe. What I found to be disturbing is that even though Friends are known for mixing genres, there are drastic jumps from style to style between the songs. At first I heard some lovely feel-good pop, and then suddenly forced angst-disco. This is the bump on an otherwise smooth ride.

Of course albums that don’t hit me immediately have the potential to grow (in most cases!), and become favorites in the long run, opposed to those which I love right away, but then get bored easily with.  Since the first impressions, Manifest! has definitely grown on me, but weirdly enough it’s happened when the music is turned off. There’s something about singer Samantha Urbani’s lyric writing that creeps into your mind in its all simplicity and straight-forwardness during those hours when you’re alone with only your thoughts.  I’m sure everyone can relate partly to what she’s singing about, and if not, then at least learn something about themselves.  For example the album’s last song “Mind Control” can easily be considered an anthem for today’s liberals. Just listen to the track below to hear why.

2012 has been an amazing music year so far, and I have the feeling it will get even better with so many anticipated albums set to be released. Only time will tell if Manifest! reaches the very top of my list. Either way, it’s admirable how Friends have gained success in such a short time. Having read this article about why 99% of indie acts don’t get signed, I just had to ask Shapiro what he believed the key factor to Friends’ success was. In his own words:

Pure luck. I mean that. There are so many great bands out there that no one knows about. Also, success is subjective. Money and fame should never be the goal. That stuff is just a byproduct of making good work or sometimes bad work. Sometimes recognition too soon can stifle the natural progression of an artist. Don't ever believe the hype, kiddies. It's a killer. Just make killer art for yourself first.

Until the next time Friends releases something new, hold holy only what you want.

many thanks to nikki shapiro for sharing his honest thoughts. and time.

Happy Friend's Day! Whatever, I'll see you on Facebook.

February 14th, 2012

Valentine's Day is called Friend's Day in Finland, and as it was my last evening in London too, I decided to bring the tradition amongst my Erasmus friends. It was like a circle closing, since the place where I stayed the first days, I was going to stay the last one as well. With the same menu; sushi and beer.

you gotta fight, for your right, to paartee!

The cheesecake Maria baked was amazing. The blueberries on top of it, inspired by the Friends' gig, were not.

I'm so lucky and thankful to have those people who went through the same experience in Holland around me. They understood how great it was. I will miss them, but I guess we all are tired of saying goodbyes, and we know we're going to see each other somewhere, someday again.

doesn't matter where, just as long as it's this year!

Ps. this was the invitation photo.

And people's comments for the event;

Noooo waaaay!!!! Biach!!!! You leaving tooo?!!!!! :( PERKELE!!!!!! I hate you!

I'll be there to show my last respect..... and to drink beer obviously!!

Nobody's having any specific plans on that day, we're no couples or anything:P right?

Why there is a bloody heart on the picture??

Friends @XOYO, London

February 8th, 2012

Only a handful of people know this, and the majority of them found out about it last Wednesday... The main reason why I extended my London stay was so I could see the band, which I think has brought hope to the music scene. Yes, you got it right by looking at the title. I'm talking about sdneirF.

I thought it would be great to have my London experience ending with great music. It didn't really matter that I knew the lyrics to only a few songs, as I tried my best to sing-a-long/jump around/drum the fence to the rest of the songs, which I have never heard of before, since the album isn't out yet. Though I can't wait to have it shipped to Finland.

In their song 'Feelin' Dank', they sing when you smile at people, and they're smiling back- that's basically how it was throughout the whole evening. From the beginning of the performance until the bouncers asked everyone to leave the place.

Smiles, when singer Samantha danced several times in the crowd. Smiles, when people were trying to catch blueberries with their mouths. Smiles, when fans got their shirts signed and pictures taken with the band members.

 My friend made a very funny comment; 'The other girl didn't really look that happy, more like annoyed. But in a good way!'. Haha, yeah every band has to have the 'cool kid'.

Lately, I've realized that meeting musicians isn't necessarily worth it. Some of them might turn out to be idiots, and then you're not interested in their music anymore. So, I have to admit that I was a bit scared to go talk to them after the gig.
 
However, if I ever had to lecture about fan engagement, the perfect example to use would most certainly be Friends. Before I managed to even open my mouth, one of them approached me and went; 'Hey you! Do you want a VIP for life, do you want a tambourine, drumstick, a shirt? Tell me what you want, and I'll get it for you! I'm Matthew by the way, what's your name?'.

I was like 'what the..', but also at the same time I was thinking if this was the moment that I could just ask everything I wanted. Hehe. But instead of having my set list signed with blueberries, I got a drumstick and a shirt. That was just brilliant, since I was running out of clean shirts.

The most amazing thing, though, was that he actually made the effort in finding what I asked for. Usually, in these kinds of situations, they tend to disappear. I'm still amazed, big thanks to Matthew! Such a nice guy, and so were the others. When I wanted to thank them for the gig, one of them was just pointing at me, the other high-fiving, and another one saying 'you must be our biggest fan'. There wasn't really any other way than replying 'I am your biggest fan'. ;)

I promised the next time I'm at their gig, I will be in the front row with the drumstick I just got, ready to invade the stage and bang the shit out of everything. Perhaps that might happen in Stockholm this spring. But I hope they make it this year to Finland too. The perfect festival for them would definitely be Flow, so if you guys are reading this, please have a look. I'd love to see you there.

Ps. A former colleague of mine, Jamie, interviewd the band during a Clash photoshoot. He also says they're really nice. It will be in next month's issue, look out for it!

Pictures by me, Domingo and Gionni (thanks guys had a blast!).

Top 11 Videos of 2011

Last week I presented you my Top 11 Songs of 2011, here's now my top videos;

11. Tellison - Edith
If you don't pay attention, you'll be surprised of the 'twist' in the end like I was. Somehow I can picture the ending to be my sister's future.



10. Radiohead - Lotus Flower
There's an anti-Radiohead rule at our office, which made me almost forget this mesmerizing video. Anyone who knows our dear Finnish friend Janne, would think that he would dance like that if he was on drugs. Janne's response to that comment was; 'I don't need drugs to do that'.



9. Crystal Fighters - Champion Sound
Of course I have to have the video, in which I am myself! The band just posted today on Facebook and Twitter that it has already over 200 000 views! And I'm the second last person to be seen in it. ;)
(Read here about the video shooting experience, here my feature on the band and here my gig review from last May)



8. Austra - Lose It
My face screams without any motion. Raise your hand if you've ever felt like that before. This is what my friend had to say about the video; 'It's just way too weird for me to watch it now'.
(Read here my gig review from last September)



7. The National - Conversation 16
Seems that I've forgotten the definitions of all sorts of terms. How would you describe this video? Satire? Anyways, great great great acting!
(Read here my gig review from last February)



6. Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
Here you have an example of why you should have your top music of a year done after the year has ended. Arcade Fire released this video in mid-December, and they've done it again. With the interactivity in their videos I mean. In 2010 they released a video, which requires Google Chrome to work, click here to see the brilliance of it and dive into your childhood. This time the interactive video requires a web cam and some hand muscles, click here for that.

Those who prefer traditional music videos, see below and be amazed of Régine's and others' dancing.



5. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Stamp
This video is just way too funny and accurate. Don't tell me that you've never had any of those thoughts during a gig. And I love the cheeky marketing.



4. Bon Iver - Holocene
Who doesn't love a video, which wants you to travel to the place in which it was filmed? In this case it's Iceland.
(Read here my video review and here my album review)



3. Summer Camp - Down
Such a loony video. Top points to the girl with the Usher's 'Yeah' move in 1:50!



2. Friends - I'm His Girl
You'd have to be sitting next to me, so I could explain every single amazing detail of this video.
(Read here my feature on the band)



And after so many amazing moving images, ladies and gentlemen I present you my favorite video of 2011 and probably of all time.. Does this actually come as a surprise to anyone anymore?

ANNA CALVI - SUZANNE AND I

Like I described the song, I'm going to describe the video; Bju-ti-ful.
(Read here my review of the video and here my gig review from last April)



What were your favorite videos of 2011?

Top 11 Songs of 2011

Many music sites and bloggers list their top whatever of the year usually during December. But what if something good shows up during the last days of the year? That's why I'm posting my own lists this month, because in a matter of fact December did hit me up with a special treat, but more of that next week.

Now I present you my top 11 songs of 2011:

11. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Touch The Sky
This is the feel good factor song. Well no wonder, since they keep on singing 'I feel good, You feel good'.
(Read here my gig review from last November)



10. Zola Jesus - In Your Nature
One of my 2011 music crushes. Here's my favorite song of her latest album 'Conatus'.



9. Crystal Fighters - Plage
When I worked at a CD factory this song was on the radio every single day..Just to make my work days merrier.
(Read here my feature on them and here my gig review from last May)



8. Austra - Beat And The Pulse
I just simply love the dark and wonderfully numbing beats of this song.
(Read here my gig review from last September)



7. The Strokes - Under Cover Of Darkness
Isn't it great to have them back after five years? And their comeback song doesn't suck, which is something you're usually afraid of.



6. Wild Beasts - Reach A Bit Further
Their latest album 'Smother' isn't the easiest to listen to, even this song's beauty I've started to understand only after hearing it live. But you can't deny the fact that it has brilliant lyrics and killer vocals from both Hayden and Tom as always. Best duet so far.



5. Explosions In The Sky - Postcard From 1952
2011 was the year when I got to know the band, fall in love with them and have their latest album 'Take Care, Take Care, Take Care' playing many days at the office, many times. Here's my favorite song (or instrumental as we learned at law class) of the album from my 'dose of happy melancholia'.
(Read here my gig review from last May)



4. The Kills - Future Starts Slow
You can blow what's left of my right mind. Just hearing the first seconds of the opening track of their 'Blood Pressures' album did just that and already I was sure that the rest of the album is great.
(Read here my gig review from last March)



3. Bon Iver - Calgary
In my opinion the most anticipated song/album of the year. When hearing that Bon Iver's style would change a bit with the new songs, I was worried. Though in vain.
(Read here my Bon Iver, Bon Iver album review)



2. Friends - I'm His Girl
All I can say that this song gives hope to the music scene (and relationships).
(Read here my feature on the band)



And after listening to many kick ass songs, ladies and gentlemen I present you my number 1 song of 2011:

Anna Calvi - Suzanne And I
I have one word to describe this masterpiece; BJU-TI-FUL.
(Read here my review of the video and here my gig review from last April)



What were your top songs of 2011?

Covering your ass

I have heard a couple of really good covers in the past weeks, which made me think that there are covers that are so good that you either think that they are the original ones, if you don't know who's performed it first. Or you wish that the song would be the cover artist's own, because simply once again, it is way too good. The songs, which I chose for this list are in the order of cover first then the original. Let me know which one you prefer more!

1. McKisko - Baibaba Bimba

Australian McKisko is Helen Franzmann, whose music I got to know through a friend who got the chance to interview her for her placement in Australia. Song Baibaba Bimba is the first song I heard of McKisko, and it hit me hard. Still does.

The simplicity of Baibaba Bimba makes it sound so beautiful, and the hint of melancholy gives it the necessary hook to grab the listener and take them to a planet called 'calmness'. But also at the same time the drumming makes your body move a bit, and have you hoping you'd have the drum sticks in your hands.

Baibaba Bimba by McKisko

When I found out that the song actually belongs to a Japanese duet called Tenniscoats, I felt both disappointed and glad. Disappointed because I thought McKisko's cover to be her best song (her other songs are great too) and glad because of the original being good, but different. Happier in this case. Also it's cool to say that an Australian act covers a Japanese one.


For me the better version was the cover. The reason for this might be my Nordic melancholic spirit.

2. Azealia Banks - Slow Hands

Young New Yorker Azealia Banks was recently chosen to be one of BBC's Sound of 2012. I decided to check her music out, when I read an interview of Friend's singer Samantha Urbani wanting to have her babies or something like that.

Anyways a rapper with beats, which make you dance and lyrics, which make you go 'huh'? And an Interpol cover, which makes you go WHAAAAT? when you notice it on YouTube.

Yes you read it right. An Interpol cover by Azealia Banks. My favorite band being covered by someone who sings about homies and bitches.



LOVE IT!!!

It's so much more interesting to hear a song of an artist being covered by some act, which represents the opposite genre. For example if The National would cover Interpol it wouldn't be that interesting, or actually it would, but you get the point. Plus I don't remember hearing an Interpol cover before, and also I have to give points to Ms. Banks (now I realized that she has the same surname as Interpol's singer Paul, related?) who made Slow Hands sound romantic. I think she should cover all of their songs.

Here's the original:



I can't say which one is better, but I'm guessing the original would last in my player longer. But if I need a dose of chilled Interpol, I know Azealia Banks will only be a couple of clicks away.

3. gerrrace - Banquet

This Bloc Party's debut single Banquet cover by American siblings has been one of my favorite covers for at least a couple of years now. There are a lot of Banquet covers on YouTube, but what makes this special is how they make it their own. It feels so sincere and that they really don't need to push the singing.  Additionally not seeing the guitarist's head reminds me of the cartoon Cow & Chicken; you never saw their parents' upper bodies.

Too bad they haven't done any music lately, or that I'd know of. gerrrace or anyone else if you see this, hit me up with some more of your music if you can!



The brilliant original:



Once again can't say which one is better, but if I need to feel pumped up, then definitely the original.

Hope you enjoyed and discovered new great music!

Friends

During your teens you start to really develop your music taste of what it was when you were a kid. For example I really liked Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. When I was 14 that changed to Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Muse.

I'd say the critical turning point was the start of the Interpol phase. Because of that I was able to listen to 'difficult music', and dive deeper into the alternative scene.

About six years later I find myself being really into electro rock/pop, and people say that at some point you almost stop being into new music and stick to the old favorites. I don't know when that will happen, but I can say that nowadays there's so many new acts around that it's hard to keep up, and sometimes you get tired of anything new.

Part of my job is to be checking out over a hundred of music blogs and through that I've heard new music. The main reason, why I've checked out acts such as Zola Jesus (pure love), Lana del Rey and Neon Indian, is the massive hype. Of course I have to know what the fuss is all about.

A month ago an exception happened. I came across with a feature of this band called Friends. First of all I wasn't sure if it even was a band's name or something else. But what really grabbed my attention was the picture in it:

My first thoughts were; what is this overly retro thing going on..they look disturbingly odd in this, but still in a good way, wonder what kind of music they play..the girl on the right looks like a young Vanessa Williams..

It was written that Friends are the hottest band coming from Brooklyn at the moment, and that they might be the future of alternative music. Wow. It takes a lot to state something like that, considering how today's music is just a mimic of something else. Still I wasn't quite yet convinced to listen to a song of theirs.

Until I saw the the still image of their video I'm His Girl. In my opinion it's as interesting as their group photo. I'd actually want to know if that image was chosen by the band or YouTube. You might think what the hell am I talking about, but the colors and how some of the band members are placed in it was enough for me to have a look. Will you too? ->



You know that moment, when the first 30 seconds of the song tells you that you've perhaps found your new music crush? This was it. I've been waiting for so many years to hear something fresh and a band that could be added to the list of  'acts that played a big role in my music taste evolution'. I actually thought that there wasn't any hope for that anymore, but I guess I have to have an Obama face on now.

And I know I'm not the only one who says that the base line is sick and that the video is just way too cool. You'd have to be sitting next to me, so I could explain every single cool part of it. Anyone willing for that, let me know.

The rest of the day passed by with having the song and video on repeat. Earlier this autumn I stated that Anna Calvi's Suzanne and I is the best video I've seen. I almost took my words back, but then I realized that it isn't fair to compare these two videos, since they're way too different from each other.

Q: So are Friends Brooklyn's hottest band at the moment?
A: No. They're hipster world's hottest band (which will probably change soon into just world's hottest band, since Friends are too hyped for hipsters now).

Q: Are Friends the future of alternative music?
A: I'd rather say they're the alternative for the alternative. Cheers to that.

Q: Can you say screw Dr. Phil, because I'm His Girl's lyrics can be used as a foundation for any healthy relationship?
A: Yes.

Friends Official

Friends' second London, UK gig. (Click the link to get yourself a ticket, the first one sold out already, so be quick. Like me, leaving work early to get to the box office, since I still don't have a credit card).